Contents
Four
Overview
Shaken by nightmares, Starr overhears a tense family debate about race, policing, and whether she should speak to detectives. With Uncle Carlos’s assurance, she agrees to an interview. The family visits Khalil’s grandmother, who reveals Khalil sold drugs but wanted to quit and saw Maverick as a father figure. Starr’s family offers financial help for the funeral, strengthening community ties and Starr’s resolve for justice.
Summary
In the night, Starr wakes from a nightmare of Natasha and Khalil being consumed by darkness. Seeking water, she overhears her parents and Uncle Carlos arguing in the kitchen about Khalil’s shooting. Maverick condemns systemic racism and the officer’s actions, while Uncle Carlos, a detective, urges trust in the investigation and asks that Starr speak to detectives.
Drawn into the conversation, Starr learns the officer’s name is Brian and wrestles with fear and duty. With Uncle Carlos’s promise that the officer won’t be present, Starr agrees to an interview on Monday, and her mother will accompany her. After Carlos leaves, Maverick and Lisa spar over moving the family from their neighborhood, exposing long-standing tensions. Maverick comforts Starr, recalls his cousin Andre’s death, explains why he named her “Starr,” and urges her to tell the truth and not accept blame.
On Sunday, the family visits Khalil’s grandmother, Ms. Rosalie. Memories of childhood with Khalil surface as they enter the familiar home. They meet Ms. Tammy, learn Ms. Rosalie is undergoing chemo, and hear that Khalil’s mother, Brenda, is missing and struggling with addiction. The family offers support, and Ms. Rosalie welcomes Starr with love rather than pity.
Ms. Rosalie reveals Khalil had been selling drugs but wanted to stop, repeating Maverick’s warning that the path leads to prison or death. She says Khalil respected Maverick like a father, which visibly affects him. Ms. Rosalie refuses details of the shooting, saying knowing Starr was with Khalil is enough, prioritizing love over speculation.
Before leaving, Starr’s parents give Ms. Rosalie an envelope of money to help with funeral expenses, insisting she not repay them. As they depart, Starr recalls Khalil’s farewell ritual and whispers “After a while, crocodile,” reaffirming her personal grief and commitment to his memory beyond public labels.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterTraumatized by nightmares; agrees to speak to detectives; visits Khalil’s grandmother and grapples with his drug dealing and legacy.
- Maverick CarterChallenges Uncle Carlos about race and justice; advises Starr to tell the truth; donates to Khalil’s funeral; seen as a mentor to Khalil.
- Lisa (Momma) CarterMediates family conflict; supports Starr’s decision; accompanies her Monday; coordinates help for Ms. Rosalie and suggests rehab for Brenda.
- Uncle CarlosDetective and family member; pushes for Starr’s interview; promises officer won’t be present; clashes with Maverick over policing and race.
- Ms. RosalieKhalil’s grandmother; undergoing chemo; reveals Khalil sold drugs but wanted out; accepts family support and cherishes Starr’s presence.
- Ms. TammyMs. Rosalie’s daughter; returns home to help; updates on family struggles and Brenda’s absence; hosts the visit.
- CameronKhalil’s little brother; escorts Ms. Rosalie in, quietly coping with the loss.